Differences and Similarities between China and the USA

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Recommended: A comparative analysis of culture between China and the USA

I stayed in China for more than 20 years, and then came to the United States last year. During the last year, I kept comparing the two countries and found both similarities and differences. American people and Chinese people are all generally nice and friendly. Since I arrived here, I have had to use English and faced a completely new environment. Almost all Americans whom I have met are willing to help; they accompanied me to apply for my Wild Card (the student ID in our school), helped me answer phones, and explained things patiently to me. Without their help, I cannot imagine how I could have gotten through the first half year of my stay. To me, Americans are as nice as Chinese. On the other hand, China and America are two societies with different history, different ways of thinking, different lifestyles, and different education systems. Here are some of my observations: (1) The relationships between country, group and individuals are different. The mainstream of American thinking is individualism, in which "I" am the most important, then the people around me, then the country. China's philosophy is the other way around. Every Chinese knows a 12th century saying: "Worry about things in the country before common people do, be happy only after common people are." Almost all parents will tell their kids the story of Yue Fei's dedication to his motherland. (2) Love is expressed differently in America. If an American kid decides to go far away from home the next day, American parents will accept the fact quietly and easily. The child will prepare everything for the trip all by himself. When it is time to leave, the parents will hug him, kiss him, and bless him "Honey, good luck." On the contrary, Chinese parents will help their children to arrange everything, preparing a delicious meal and saying things like "You can't eat such good dinners any more. Eat more! If you aren't accustomed to the life there, just come back home." When an American guy likes a girl, he would tell the girl directly. Most likely, American couples regard the feelings between their two are most important thing in their relationship. A Chinese guy, on the other hand, would first send some "vague" messages to a girl to test the water and then accumulate his courage for a long time before telling the girl. After they are married, even if some couples think they'd better divorce, they may sacrifice themselves to maintain the marriage for their child.

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